Translation guide
The English verb 'revoke' means to officially cancel or take back something, such as a law, license, permission, or decision. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being revoked and the formality of the situation.
To formally withdraw an official document, license, permit, or granted right.
The most common and versatile verb for revoking or canceling something official. Used for licenses, permissions, contracts, and decisions.
免許を取り消された。
My license was revoked.
政府はその許可を取り消した。
The government revoked the permit.
A formal term meaning to strip someone of a right, title, or qualification. Often used in legal or disciplinary contexts.
彼は弁護士資格を剥奪された。
He was disbarred (had his lawyer qualification revoked).
Means to invalidate or nullify something, such as a contract or decision. Slightly less direct than 取り消す but common in legal contexts.
裁判所はその判決を無効にした。
The court revoked (invalidated) the ruling.
To formally abolish or repeal a law, regulation, or official command.
Used for abolishing or repealing laws, systems, or regulations. Implies a permanent removal.
その法律は廃止された。
The law was revoked (repealed).
Means to withdraw or retract a statement, proposal, or order. Often used for revoking a decision or announcement.
大統領はその命令を撤回した。
The president revoked the order.
To retract something previously said or offered, often in personal or business contexts.
Also works for retracting statements or offers. Very common.
彼は前言を取り消した。
He revoked his previous statement.
More formal than 取り消す for retracting statements or proposals.
その提案は撤回されました。
The proposal was revoked (withdrawn).
To remove someone's access rights, such as login credentials or system permissions.
Still the most natural choice for revoking digital access or privileges.
管理者が彼のアクセス権を取り消した。
The administrator revoked his access rights.
Often used for deactivating accounts or invalidating tokens.
そのアカウントは無効にされました。
The account was revoked (deactivated).
取り消す is the most general and can be used for licenses, statements, and access. 廃止する is specifically for abolishing systems or laws permanently. 撤回する is for withdrawing statements, proposals, or orders, often in formal settings.
For canceling a reservation, subscription, or event, use キャンセルする or 解約する, not 取り消す. 取り消す implies an official or authoritative revocation, not a simple cancellation by the user.
予約をキャンセルする
cancel a reservation
契約を解約する
cancel a contract (by the customer)